NationStates Jolt Archive

The World Cup has just begun. This is a major event event that I want to follow, except that, being American, I have no clue what's going on. I want to be able to get involved, but professional soccer (or football, whatever floats your boat.) is as foriegn to me as Swahili.

Are there any countries I should be rooting for?
Are there any people I should look out for?
Are there any big match-ups I should watch? If so, who should I root for?

Are there any countries I should be rooting for?
Are there any people I should look out for?
Are there any big match-ups I should watch? If so, who should I root for?

Yes, Germany.
Yes, Frings.
Yes, Germany vs... anyone.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/default.stm
All the news. At the bottom you'll find descriptions, news and analyses of all the teams.
Pick one and root for them. Just try to avoid T&T, Holland or England, because you won't be having fun for long. :p

The World Cup has just begun. This is a major event event that I want to follow, except that, being American, I have no clue what's going on. I want to be able to get involved, but professional soccer (or football, whatever floats your boat.) is as foriegn to me as Swahili.

Are there any countries I should be rooting for?
Are there any people I should look out for?
Are there any big match-ups I should watch? If so, who should I root for?

You should root for Australia. In fact, you should always root for Australia. Australians love it when you root for them.

You should root for Australia. In fact, you should always root for Australia. Australians love it when you root for them.

*dons Pittsburgh Steelers jersey*

Yes, Germany.
Yes, Frings.
Yes, Germany vs... anyone.
If Germany go well it will be more to do with having the home ground support than having a quality team. The first match, they played against Costa Rica and were far from convincing.

Group C, ie. Argentina and Netherlands
Group E, ie. Italy and Czech Republic(though nedved may be injured)
Group F, ie Australia :D and a promising country by the name of Brazil
Group G, ie. France and the Swiss
Portugal and Spain

My money is on Brazil. If they get firing no one will stop them.

The US Team is 5th ranked ... go ahead, call them underdogs, but we do have chance.

Whether you like it or not.

The US Team is 5th ranked ... go ahead, call them underdogs, but we do have chance.

Whether you like it or not.

I think the 5th ranking is inflated, the USA is not as strong as that. However, I think they are good enough to surprise a few teams & make it to perhaps the quarter finals. I really don't think they're much of a chance to win it though.

I think the 5th ranking is inflated, the USA is not as strong as that.

Aye ... and I'm looking forward to the competition. Call it Football or Soccer, it's damned exciting stuff. :D

Aye ... and I'm looking forward to the competition. Call it Football or Soccer, it's damned exciting stuff. :D

You said it.

*sigh* But still, all this World Cup hoopla is making me desperately want a World Football League (American Football).

You should root for Australia. In fact, you should always root for Australia. Australians love it when you root for them.

Huh...well, I guess Australians love me then. :p

Good idea, but wouldn't it be made up solely of North American teams? :)

The team to watch out for is England.

They have the strongest midfield in the world ( Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, David Beckham, Joe Cole) and if 20 year old wonderkid Wayne Rooney is fit, one of the best strikers...potentially of all time, he is still only 20 and a manchester united legend! England also have a very strong defence (Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Ashley Cole, Gary Neville, Sol Campbell and goalkeeper Paul Robinson). Not to mention a great coach, Sven Goran Eriksoon.

Star of the tournament? Messi? Torres? Frings? Owen? Adriano?

I reacon it's between England, Brazil and Argentina. Germany are weak for once anyway, predicitions:

Group A: germany
Ecudor

Group B: England
Sweden

Group C; Argentina
Holland

Group D: Mexico
Portugal

Group E:Czech republic
Italy

Group F: Brazil
Croatia

Group G: France
Witzerland

Group H: Spain
Ucrane

Second Round (Winners):
Germany
Argentina
Italy
France
England
Holland
brazil
Spain

Quaters:
Argentina
France
England
Brazil

Semis:

Argentina vs France
England vs Brazil

And I'll leave you to guess those results.

The World Cup has just begun. This is a major event event that I want to follow, except that, being American, I have no clue what's going on. I want to be able to get involved, but professional soccer (or football, whatever floats your boat.) is as foriegn to me as Swahili.

Are there any countries I should be rooting for?
Are there any people I should look out for?
Are there any big match-ups I should watch? If so, who should I root for?

Just watch Brazil play, and pay particular attention to a player called Ronaldinho - the best player in the world at the moment.

But of course, you need to be rooting for England.

Just watch Brazil play, and pay particular attention to a player called Ronaldinho - the best player in the world at the moment.


Most skillful yes, but best? I don;'t know. When he gets clsoed down he's poor.

The US Team is 5th ranked ... go ahead, call them underdogs, but we do have chance.

Whether you like it or not.

He he, yes in the Fifa rankings. The USA is not a seeded team in the world cup. It is not ranked 5th in anyones mind who has a reasonable understanding of the situation. They are ranked that way because of the number of wins they have, not who those wins were agianst. But could the USA beat Brazil, England, Argintina, Holland or the Czeckh Republic? I sincerely doubt it.

I was thinking the USA might make it out of the group stage. Please, people, let's not have aggressive flag wrapping here. Leave it to the hools. This was about who to watch!

I would say watch Brazil as ever for beautiful football. England seems to have an interesting team for once. Trinidad and Tobago for the sheer joy of even being in Germany - my outside favourites like Jamaica a few years ago. The Dutch are great when they pull themselves together - and they play in lovely orange. Watch Ivory Coast on a good day for some wonderfully vibrant play. The smaller Eastern European sides will be very determined, although not necessarily graceful. And any game between Argentina and Italy could be fabulous!

Are there any countries I should be rooting for?
Are there any people I should look out for?
Are there any big match-ups I should watch? If so, who should I root for?
Yes. Germany.
Yes. Zee Germans.
Just watch as many games as you can and you'll be sure to see history in the making ;)

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/GermanNightmare/fussball.jpg

The World Cup has just begun. This is a major event event that I want to follow, except that, being American, I have no clue what's going on. I want to be able to get involved, but professional soccer (or football, whatever floats your boat.) is as foriegn to me as Swahili.

Are there any countries I should be rooting for?
Are there any people I should look out for?
Are there any big match-ups I should watch? If so, who should I root for?

Countries: Anyone other than Germany, Italy or Argentina

Players: Lionel Messi- Javier Maschereno (Argentina), Ronaldinho (Brazil), Fernando Torres (Spain), Rooney+ Gerrard (England)

Big matches: Not as yet, but watch Holland Germany if it occurs, or Argentina Brazil.

The US Team is 5th ranked ... go ahead, call them underdogs, but we do have chance.

Whether you like it or not.

Underdogs, no. The FIFA ranking system simply doesnit work, since the USA are classified as the best team in their group, above Italy, who currently contain Totti, Zambrotta, Luca Toni, Del Piero, Gattuso and others.

You do not have a chance. At all. When you meet a footballing power you will learn quite why you are not even amongst the top twenty teams worldwide.

Usually I would say the USA has no chance against the Czechs and Italians, but with the scandal in Italy the USA might beat them.

You should really watch poule C. They don't call it the poule of death for nothing you know!
Beatifull Argentina versus the almighty Dutch.
yessss, that is a match I'm looking forward to.

And if it ever happens: Germany vs. the Netherlands.
It'll be the best match of the tournament.

Big matches: Not as yet, but watch Holland Germany if it occurs, or Argentina Brazil.
England - Germany might happen fairly soon, and would be a killer.

Underdogs, no. The FIFA ranking system simply doesnit work, since the USA are classified as the best team in their group, above Italy, who currently contain Totti, Zambrotta, Luca Toni, Del Piero, Gattuso and others.

You do not have a chance. At all. When you meet a footballing power you will learn quite why you are not even amongst the top twenty teams worldwide.

Every team has a chance.
I don't think many people expected for Poland to get beat by Ecuador 2-0 yesterday.

(I hope poland wins its remaining two matches.

Countries: Anyone other than Germany, Italy or Argentina

Players: Lionel Messi- Javier Maschereno (Argentina), Ronaldinho (Brazil), Fernando Torres (Spain), Rooney+ Gerrard (England)

Big matches: Not as yet, but watch Holland Germany if it occurs, or Argentina Brazil.


Rooney England? I am pretty sure he is still hurt and not back yet. However, if you wanna watch England, check out Beckham ofcourse, but also LFC's Peter Crouch. England has a good shot at this, good team all around, i got them going atleast to the quarterfinals, and I think if they can get past Brazil, they can win it all.

Ahh the world cup. England kick off in a little over half an hour :D

Of course we all know what will happen, we'll do well until we meet someone on penalties and goe out, but stll, I WILL REMAIN HOPEFUL!

Look out for England playing: Argentina, France, Germany or Brazil, beucase they will ALL be labeled grudge matches by the over enthusiastic commentators.

furthermore, i agree. usa has a slim to none chance, and i am from the us. the main reason for this mostly is that no one cares about football here, its all baseball and american football.

Every team has a chance.
I don't think many people expected for Poland to get beat by Ecuador 2-0 yesterday.

Okay. Lets look at this in terms of players:

Italy:

- Buffon (Best 'keeper on the planet)

-Zambrotta
-Cannavarro
-Nesta
-Zanetti

- Gattusso (world class midfielder)
- Pirlo ( Dead ball genius)
- Camoranesi ( solid player for Juventus)

- Totti (Icon, legend, arguably the best in his position)
- Del Piero (Over the hill, perhaps, but still brilliant on the ball)

- Gilardinho (Sufficiently talented striker for Milan to allow Sheva to leave)

Subs:

- Cassano (Madrid payed 10 million for him)
- Luca Toni (highest scorer in Seria A in an otherwise mediocre fiorentina side)
- De Rossi ( Emerging talent courted by numerous clubs)
- Inzaghi ( irritating yet consumate player)

USA: erm...... Claudio Reyna?

England - Germany might happen fairly soon, and would be a killer.

I hope so. I'd throw the Sweden match simply to beat them:)

The US Team is 5th ranked ... go ahead, call them underdogs, but we do have chance.

Whether you like it or not.

FIFA rankings were always a little weird...

I don't believe we (americans) should be allowed to stand a chance until 98% of the population stays home to watch the game, and after every win we get the day off. Thus is penance for our ignorance in the past.

England v. Paraguay, England wins by one!

I hope so. I'd throw the Sweden match simply to beat them:)
Do that! I won't mind at all.

FIFA rankings were always a little weird...

No they aren't.
Why else would the dutch be third?

oh wait...

Do that! I won't mind at all.

Thats the thing, given the potential draw (ie. avoiding Brazil until the final), so would I.

The US Team is 5th ranked ... go ahead, call them underdogs, but we do have chance.

Whether you like it or not.


My local bookie quotes the US at 100:1
Better 'n Saudi Arabia at 750:1
and one of those Windy-states quotes at 1500:1

No they aren't.
Why else would the dutch be third?[QUOTE]
And Mexico is #4. A little too high maybe. Also, Denmark is above (among most) Italy, Sweden and Germany. And they still failed to qualify...

[QUOTE=FIFA]1 Brazil
2 Czech Republic
3 The Netherlands
4 Mexico
5 USA
5 Spain
7 Portugal
8 France
9 Argentina
10 England

I think it looks odd.

You should root for Australia. In fact, you should always root for Australia. Australians love it when you root for them.
I am rooting for Strya!
----------------------------------------------
America at 5 and Greece at 20 are both over rated.

[QUOTE=Spekstaria]I think it looks odd.

How do they come up with the rankings anyway? Must be some reason to list them as they do.

In case anyone is interested I posted predictions of who'll win every group stage match on my blog. the only one I've gotton wrong so far is Trinidad vs. Sweden but who would've guessed that, eh? Here's the URL

leftyhenry.blogspot.com

feel free to comment. scroll down a little as it's my second most recent entry. My most recent being some rant about communism lol

Ok, you guys are confusing me.
Are there any big rivalries in the World Cup?

Rooney England? I am pretty sure he is still hurt and not back yet. However, if you wanna watch England, check out Beckham ofcourse, but also LFC's Peter Crouch. England has a good shot at this, good team all around, i got them going atleast to the quarterfinals, and I think if they can get past Brazil, they can win it all.

You see the person marking Crouch only come up to his shoulder.

Ok, you guys are confusing me.
Are there any big rivalries in the World Cup?
Well, there's Argentina v Brazil, Germany v England, Germany v Holland, Sweden v England perhaps.

Probably a few more I can't think of right now.

Ok, you guys are confusing me.
Are there any big rivalries in the World Cup?



Well, judging from the thread so far, I'd say USA vs. everyone else. Personally, I don't like our chances. Czech Republic and Italy are both likely to slaughter us, but much as I am sometimes ashamed of my countrymen and their ignorant boasting, juvenile flaming, and inability to acknowledge that other viewpoints might have some validity, I think the anti-American lynch mob that's forming on this thread is a bit much. Football's just a game folks. It's nice to see your team win, but it doesn't make you superior to the rest of the human race.

Croatia and Italy are both likely to slaughter us, but much as I am sometimes ashamed of my countrymen and their ignorant boasting, juvenile flaming, and inability to acknowledge that other viewpoints might have some validity, I think the anti-American lynch mob that's forming on this thread is a bit much.
Anti-American mob?

The US is not that good a team, and that's that. The Czechs have had an excellent time during qualification and are virtually playing at home. Italy is a world-class team. You can hope, just like I'm hoping for the Aussies, but that doesn't exactly make things any more likely.

England v. Argentina is te biggest. If you don't know much about soccer you can pretty much sleep through the group stages. We'll wake you up when good classic matches start in the playoffs, all though you would miss some big upsets and blowouts.

I predict the blowout of the world cup 2006 will be....

Austrailia vs. Brazil

In 2002 I remeber it was Germany vs. Saudi Arabia. Germany won 8-0.

Did anyone else consider the opening ceremonies bizarre?

What exactly were those guys doing to those cowbells?

Anti-American mob?

The US is not that good a team, and that's that. The Czechs have had an excellent time during qualification and are virtually playing at home. Italy is a world-class team. You can hope, just like I'm hoping for the Aussies, but that doesn't exactly make things any more likely.


You never actually read anyone's post do you? I doubt we will make it out of the first round. You're right; we're not as good as many other teams. I'm just sick of both "U-S-A! U-S-A!" when we don't have a team that's likely to compete well, and I don't like "USA is teh suxxx!" just because other countries (rightly, I might add) dislike our current admisitration's laughable foreign policy. The World Cup is just a game, and it's no place for all this immature nationalism. You can support your own teams without trashing all the others, can't you?

England v. Argentina is te biggest. If you don't know much about soccer you can pretty much sleep through the group stages. We'll wake you up when good classic matches start in the playoffs, all though you would miss some big upsets and blowouts.


I still kinda want a team to root for. It makes it more fun.

The only foriegn relative I know are from Canada, and I've heard nothing about them. I do have some freinds from other countries. I might pick one of thier countries.

I predict the blowout of the world cup 2006 will be....

Austrailia vs. Brazil
Don't count on it.

Remember the Confed Cup? They played like shit then, and they still only lost 4:3 and 4:2 against Germany and Argentina.
And now they have Guus Hiddink, who set up the defence properly, which they have shown winning against Greece and drawing against Holland in the preperation matches.
I don't think it'll be more than two goals difference.

Did anyone else consider the opening ceremonies bizarre?
Yes, they always are. But what really pissed me off was that they got a bunch of Bavarians wearing Bavarian outfits. WTF?
Now foreigners will think that that's in any way representative of Germany for another two decades.

What exactly were those guys doing to those cowbells?
I was pissing myself.

You never actually read anyone's post do you?
I read your post, and I read every other post in this thread. It seems like everyone except Keruvalia agrees that the US team isn't going to make much of an impact.
And you call that an anti-American lynch mob? So I ask: Where?

I'm just sick of both "U-S-A! U-S-A!" when we don't have a team that's likely to compete well, and I don't like "USA is teh suxxx!" just because other countries (rightly, I might add) dislike our current admisitration's laughable foreign policy.
You're presuming motives. You shouldn't - the reason I don't like the US team is that they don't have a population behind them. Much of the appeal of the world cup is that these teams are representing their nations, that virtually every person in their home country cares.
None of that in the US. Hell, I wonder how many people in the US could name even one of their players.

The World Cup is just a game, and it's no place for all this immature nationalism. You can support your own teams without trashing all the others, can't you?
Immature nationalism is the reason the world cup is so popular, my friend. It's the one time when one can have a bit of harmless fun, the only arena in which a bit of nationalism doesn't hurt anyone.
And no one was singling out the US for criticism. Keruvalia decided to tell us that the US team was a big chance, "whether we like it or not". So people responded by telling him that that is crap.
Same thing would've happened if someone had said the same thing about the Socceroos.

Keruvalia decided to tell us that the US team was a big chance, "whether we like it or not". So people responded by telling him that that is crap.
Same thing would've happened if someone had said the same thing about the Socceroos.

But the Aussies ARE going to win it. Why would anyone possibly say anything different? :p

Sweden v England perhaps.
That's a huge game at home, especially since, for the second WC in a row, that game will most likely decide the outcome of the group. But I'm guessing the English aren't too happy about us either, since they haven't won a single game against us for 38 years :D

My prediction a post above is hanging in so far! Aussies trounce Japan three one in the last ten minutes of the game! (Including one goal in four minutes of injury time. ;) )

GO AUSTRALIA!!

*gags on U.S. performance*

What the hell? Better see some improvement on Saturday!

*shakes fist*

Just watch Brazil play, and pay particular attention to a player called Ronaldinho - the best player in the world at the moment.
Yeah. I see why he is the best player in the world. He putting up a very convincing game against Croatia right now.:D

I think the poor guy is pooped. :p

You should root for Australia. In fact, you should always root for Australia. Australians love it when you root for them.

I certainly took Oz over Japan Monday night, much to the delight of my Aussie friends and the chagrin of my J freinds. :D I wanna match against you guys in the next round!!! (Mostly 'cause if we make it through, and face Brazil... :()

I certainly took Oz over Japan Monday night, much to the delight of my Aussie friends and the chagrin of my J freinds. :D I wanna match against you guys in the next round!!! (Mostly 'cause if we make it through, and face Brazil... :()

When you say 'took' Australia, do you mean you were rooting for them or simply expecting them to win?

Just curious. :p

Never mind, just caught your message on the other thread, Daistallia. Good on ya, mate. I like you. :D

Well...Aussies lost two - nil to Brazil....I'm going to go drown my sorrows... :(

The World Cup has absolutely nothing to do with nationalism since the 1930's.

I think it's laughable that no one's counting on the German team at winning this World Cup this year. I disagree.

First off - They have Klinsmann coaching them this year. He's already made some major improvements over the team. The team is passing more, taking more shots, and the results have paid off with Germany winning both of it's matches so far.

The Germany - Costa Rica match made it clear that Germany wasn't going to be a push over like in the past. Everyone saying that Germany played poorly during that match are clearly clueless. First off, look at the score. It was 4 to 2 in favor of Germany. Germany didn't win that match by luck, they won it because they were the superior team in that match. Granted, they made 2 mistakes that allowed Costa Rica to score, but that's all they were, mistakes. Mistakes that the team learned from as was evident in their match against Poland.

In their 2nd match, Germany won 1 - 0. Both teams played exceptionally well, but Germany fought a little bit harder and managed to score in the 91st minute of the match. Yes - we know Poland was down a man, but that red card came early in the game. And still, Poland was able to defend it's goal until the 91st minute.

The match of Germany vs. Ecuador will be interesting. But I believe that Germany will be able to win, as they do have the home field advantage. I believe that it is the Germans that will surprise the World by going all the way to the final match.

As for the US Team - They have not scored a single goal themselves since this World Cup started. The one goal they got was given to them by the Italians accidentally. Had Zaccardo not accidentally knock the ball into Italy's goal, the US would have lost that match 1 - 0. The US is still eligible for Round 16 play by sheer luck.

Brazil's a very good team, but can be beaten, as it has been proven in the past. All it takes is being able to break the Brazilian team's defense down enough to get around the players. As it was posted earlier, Ronaldinho, while being called the best player in the world, really does fall apart if he doesn't have the room to maneuver. In the Brazilian - Australian match, he didn't even score today. The 2 goals came from Adriano and Fred (a substitution). Basically, the Australians concentrated on those Brazilian players they thought were going to be the dangerous ones, and as a result, didn't focus enough on the other Brazilian players. But, as I said, Brazil didn't even score until a few minutes into the second half. If they were as spectacular as everyone makes them out to be, they should've won all their matches by much larger margines.

But overall, I hope Germany wins the Cup, as they are playing at home, and they have the overwhelming support of the German People. And it would not surprise me if the other European nations also root for Germany, should they be in the final match. We will, of course, see as the Cup continues, what will happen.

EDIT - One note on the opening ceremony. The ceremony wasn't bizarre. It showed the traditions and history that make up the German nation. Including the Bavarian outfits. Granted, not all of Germany uses those outfits, but they all have their own variations of outfits similar (or not so similar) to the Bavarian traditional dress. If anyone did not understand the opening ceremony, it just means you weren't well informed of German history and tradition. I would suggest doing some research into Germany and it's history. It might open your eyes.

I think it's laughable that no one's counting on the German team at winning this World Cup this year. I disagree.
I am. So are my friends! Germany is soccer-crazed at the moment!

First off - They have Klinsmann coaching them this year. He's already made some major improvements over the team. The team is passing more, taking more shots, and the results have paid off with Germany winning both of it's matches so far.
I think so, too! Besides, I like the guy.
The Germany - Costa Rica match made it clear that Germany wasn't going to be a push over like in the past. Everyone saying that Germany played poorly during that match are clearly clueless. First off, look at the score. It was 4 to 2 in favor of Germany. Germany didn't win that match by luck, they won it because they were the superior team in that match. Granted, they made 2 mistakes that allowed Costa Rica to score, but that's all they were, mistakes. Mistakes that the team learned from as was evident in their match against Poland.
True dat!
In their 2nd match, Germany won 1 - 0. Both teams played exceptionally well, but Germany fought a little bit harder and managed to score in the 91st minute of the match. Yes - we know Poland was down a man, but that red card came early in the game. And still, Poland was able to defend it's goal until the 91st minute.
I honestly don't wanna know how many people died of a heart attack that night and never saw the end of the game! You should've seen the celebrations in the streets after the game - pure, positive madness. A whole people gave voice to their relief. Just look at how Klinsmann reacted after the goal - he didn't even know whom to hug first.
The match of Germany vs. Ecuador will be interesting. But I believe that Germany will be able to win, as they do have the home field advantage. I believe that it is the Germans that will surprise the World by going all the way to the final match.
They are playing to win. That's what they said. And while they will change some of their set-up that is only to get some players who haven't played yet to get into the tournament as well. Looking forward to that on Tuesday. Oh man, I can't wait!
But overall, I hope Germany wins the Cup, as they are playing at home, and they have the overwhelming support of the German People. And it would not surprise me if the other European nations also root for Germany, should they be in the final match. We will, of course, see as the Cup continues, what will happen.
I just want the Germans to play good and progress as far as they can. They manage to get the cup - even better!
EDIT - One note on the opening ceremony. The ceremony wasn't bizarre. It showed the traditions and history that make up the German nation. Including the Bavarian outfits. Granted, not all of Germany uses those outfits, but they all have their own variations of outfits similar (or not so similar) to the Bavarian traditional dress. If anyone did not understand the opening ceremony, it just means you weren't well informed of German history and tradition. I would suggest doing some research into Germany and it's history. It might open your eyes.
Uhm. Thing that bugged me the most: The FIFA cancelled the ceremony in Berlin because of the lawn and then held it in Munich on the very football lawn with way too much Bavarian SchnickSchnack. What kind of an image does that give about Germany as a whole? I for one do not want to be represented by people in Lederhosen swinging Kuhglocken. That has nothing to do with German culture - that's South of the border (Weißwurst-Grenze).
Then again, the show did have Seeed play a great song.

I think it's laughable that no one's counting on the German team at winning this World Cup this year.

Germany's centre of defence is laughable.

I think it's laughable that no one's counting on the German team at winning this World Cup this year. I disagree.


I will reserve judgement until they play a side that has some attacking strength. Conceding two goals to Costa Rica was unforgivable. I seriously expect them to struggle against the attack of Ecuador, and I daren't even imagine what a team like Spain or Argentina would do to them.

One note on the opening ceremony. The ceremony wasn't bizarre.
Yes, it was! Did you watch it? A bunch of kids in leather shorts humping cow bells! That is bizarre. Pretty much by definition.

It showed the traditions and history that make up the German nation. Including the Bavarian outfits. Granted, not all of Germany uses those outfits, but they all have their own variations of outfits similar (or not so similar) to the Bavarian traditional dress.
Ahem...let's just say that you should visit the place some time.

Personally, I found that offensive. In fact, i find anything that suggests that Bavarians have anything at all to do with Germany quite offensive. They're "Hilfsdeutsche", like Austrians. Or Danes. :p

If anyone did not understand the opening ceremony, it just means you weren't well informed of German history and tradition. I would suggest doing some research into Germany and it's history. It might open your eyes.
http://www.schildersmilies.de/noschild/laughoutloud.gif

I will reserve judgement until they play a side that has some attacking strength. Conceding two goals to Costa Rica was unforgivable. I seriously expect them to struggle against the attack of Ecuador, and I daren't even imagine what a team like Spain or Argentina would do to them.
Let's see how they play Ecuador first. I disagree that the two goals against Costa Rica were "unforgivable". If they won the thing it would be a huge upset, but they've shown glimpses of ability.
And besides, if the best opposition they have to beat is England, they'll be fine. ;)

I will reserve judgement until they play a side that has some attacking strength. Conceding two goals to Costa Rica was unforgivable. I seriously expect them to struggle against the attack of Ecuador, and I daren't even imagine what a team like Spain or Argentina would do to them.
Well, they played like shit four years ago and still managed to reach the final.

Ahem...let's just say that you should visit the place some time.

Personally, I found that offensive. In fact, i find anything that suggests that Bavarians have anything at all to do with Germany quite offensive. They're "Hilfsdeutsche", like Austrians. Or Danes. :p

LOL, my parents are from Moenchengladbach. I AM GERMAN. And I spent half of my life, visiting Germany over summer vacations. I know as much about Germany as any native German living in the country. Do not lecture me on visiting Germany. Jerk.

I will reserve judgement until they play a side that has some attacking strength. Conceding two goals to Costa Rica was unforgivable. I seriously expect them to struggle against the attack of Ecuador, and I daren't even imagine what a team like Spain or Argentina would do to them.

Clearly you've been listening to the sports commentators in Germany, that or you're just ignorant about soccer... Anyway - these athletes are human beings too, and they spend most of the year training and playing, all of which culminates into the World Cup every 4 years. Compared to 2002, Germany has improved a great deal in it's tactics on the field. So what if they made a couple mistakes against Costa Rica allowing two goals? Big deal. Germany won the match 4 to 2. And against Poland, Germany didn't even let the Poles score. So obviously they worked on their play during practices between matches. And here in the US, they're saying that Germany has a chance against Ecuador.

I'm happy with the way the Germans have played so far, and that they will keep getting better, and maybe even win the Cup. Any Germans that have no faith in their team, shouldn't be watching the tournament. Either be a true fan, or not at all.

Well, they played like shit four years ago and still managed to reach the final.
The trick was not to concede any goals. Other teams should try it some time. :p

The trick was not to concede any goals. Other teams should try it some time. :p
I'm Dutch. We're supposed to play with style or not play at all. :p

LOL, my parents are from Moenchengladbach. I AM GERMAN. And I spent half of my life, visiting Germany over summer vacations. I know as much about Germany as any native German living in the country. Do not lecture me on visiting Germany. Jerk.
Well, it'll please you to hear that I'm from Hamburg, and have lived there for 16 years. It is a lie to say that this Bavarian crap is in any way representative of the country.

Even though some traditional dresses may look similar (not in the North they don't), that hardly means that they have a place at a show destined to demonstrate Germany to the world. No one wears these things.

From the day I first set foot in this country here, I have been trying to educate people that not all Germans wear "Lederhosen" (as if you couldn't just call them by their English names), that not everyone in the country is a Bavarian, and that the bloody Oktoberfest is for tourists. This ceremony will have set me back at least two years. It was utter and complete bullshit. It should never have been staged in Munich. F*cking hillbillies.

And just by the way...I think I have met more than a dozen people now who said they were German because of their parents. I believe a grand total of two actually had a German passport. The rest were pretending.

Clearly you've been listening to the sports commentators in Germany, that or you're just ignorant about soccer... Anyway - these athletes are human beings too, and they spend most of the year training and playing, all of which culminates into the World Cup every 4 years. Compared to 2002, Germany has improved a great deal in it's tactics on the field. So what if they made a couple mistakes against Costa Rica allowing two goals? Big deal. Germany won the match 4 to 2. And against Poland, Germany didn't even let the Poles score. So obviously they worked on their play during practices between matches. And here in the US, they're saying that Germany has a chance against Ecuador.

I'm happy with the way the Germans have played so far, and that they will keep getting better, and maybe even win the Cup. Any Germans that have no faith in their team, shouldn't be watching the tournament. Either be a true fan, or not at all.

I happen to live in Brazil - ignorance about soccer is about as possible as it would be for you to be ignorant about Bier.

The goals conceded by Germany to Costa Rica were the result of really bad defensive positioning by Metzelder and Mertesacker. Against Poland they did not change anything and they got away with it only because Poland don't have an attack at all at the moment. (Can you name a Polish forward - off the top of your head?)

However, I am sure that Klinsman has seen the problem of the centre halves being too flat and too widely spaced when the wingbacks are up the field, and he will have done something about it. (Ideally have a midfielder drop back to fill this space - the way that say Zé Roberto or Emerson do for Brazil) If not, then Germany will be ripped apart by any team with even a semi-effective striker. (Even Owen could score against them :p ).

However we will see on the 20th.

I happen to live in Brazil - ignorance about soccer is about as possible as it would be for you to be ignorant about Bier.
He said he lives in the US, remember? :D

He said he lives in the US, remember? :D

I am just assuming that what he said about knowing German culture was true. If it is he has to know a lot about bier. ;)

LOL, my parents are from Moenchengladbach. I AM GERMAN. And I spent half of my life, visiting Germany over summer vacations. I know as much about Germany as any native German living in the country. Do not lecture me on visiting Germany. Jerk.

Clearly you've been listening to the sports commentators in Germany, that or you're just ignorant about soccer...

LOL! Did you really just say that you know more about German culture, from having spent your summer vacations there, than a German; and even sillier, call AB Again ignorant of soccer? How embarassing for you.... http://http://www.world-of-smilies.com/html/images/smilies/schockiert/eekoops.gif

It's official now: the refs are the real winners. They will always decide who passes to the next round, who gets ground into the dirt, and who will lag behind the rest. Will they decide fairly, based on the rules of the game? No, that's not part of the deal, silly! They get to do WHATEVER they want! For example:

In the Australia VS Italy game today, one of the Italian players (Marco Materazzi) was sent off with a whopping red card in his face for...defending? Slide-tackling the ball away from one of the Aussie players? Yeah, that sounds punishable-by-death to me too, you clever little referee! Granted, Marco almost tripped up another Aussie player as well as one of his own, but neither of them fell; it was only him and the Australian he was checking that were laying on the grass. It was a simple check, and he should NOT have been penalized for it.

Another gem from the Aussie - Italianos game, the call that decided the outcome...completely. An Italian forward is coming from the left wing of the field, and Lucas Niell (an Australian defenseman) decides to slide-check him to get the ball away. Well, Niell misses. He comes up short, and the Italian tries to press on, however, he trips over Niell's body, which still happens to be on the ground (due to his slide check which didn't work, obviously.) So, the Italian is down on the ground. Wait, what's this? The ref decides a PENALTY KICK is in order! Oh, very good choice! What's the clock at? Well, there's five seconds left in the game! Five seconds left in injury time, no less! So, surprise surprise, the penalty kick is a goal. Wow. The Australians - who had played phenominally the entire Cup thus far - were taken out ruthlessly by the referee. Not only were the Aussies playing BETTER, than the Italians, the game was going to be over in five seconds. FIVE seconds! The ref wanted to create some drama for the end of the game. Yes, he decided it would be the end of the game. It was his idea of a good show for the audience. Well, HALF the audience, anyway. The Australian fans were up in arms against the man. I suggest he keeps clear of the Land Down Under for a while.

Are there any big match-ups I should watch? Any game between 2 of these :

Holland
CIv
Argentina
Germany
England
Portugal

these teams have the firePower.. It should be a war.

Brazil? they are only to face a significant challlenge at the very end(hopefully with-out too many yellows/injuries).